Veterans Exposed to Deadly Asbestos

Valued for its high heat resistance and fireproofing abilities, the military used the material from the 1900s to the mid-1970s. It wasn’t until the '70s that the military began to limit asbestos use. By that time, it was already too late.

Exposure to asbestos is linked to several health conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Because of the long latency periods of most asbestos-related diseases — about 20-50 years before symptoms show — many veterans do not take proactive steps to ensure an early diagnosis.

If the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, there are many treatment options that can help veterans. The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans access to mesothelioma specialists across the nation.

Veterans may also qualify for free treatment if they file a VA benefits claims.

If you are a veteran who worked around asbestos during your military career or know of a veteran who was likely exposed to the carcinogen, there is help.

Increasing Your Understanding of Mesothelioma

Often, the initial signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are so subtle that veterans ignore them or think they are signs of a less serious condition. Symptoms may include dry coughing, shortness of breath and pleural effusions.

The rarity of the asbestos cancer also can lead to a misdiagnosis. As a result, many veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma in its later stages when treatment options are limited.

If you are a veteran, pay close attention to your health. Caregivers of veterans should also learn about the symptoms to look for and monitor any changes.

Infographic: Veterans and Mesothelioma

Connect a Veteran with a Patient Advocate

If you or someone you love fought for our country and is now battling an asbestos-related condition, help is available.

Veterans may receive free health care from the VA. Unfortunately, filing these benefits claims, dealing with a heavy backlog and possibly facing a denial and appeal, can be a grueling process, especially when time is of the essence.

But veterans are not alone. A Patient Advocate can help veterans get the assistance they deserve.

Contact Your Local and State Representatives

Despite the harm veterans suffered because of asbestos exposure during their military career, and the millions of American civilians who have died of mesothelioma, asbestos is not banned in the U.S.

Enough is enough. Veterans deserve better. People deserve better.

Take a minute to reach out to your local and state legislators about reducing the backlog of benefits claims, improving the service to veterans, employing more mesothelioma specialists at VA hospitals and banning the deadly substance.

Make your voice heard. Now is the time to tell our government to stand up for what is right and truly make a difference on Veterans Day.